Fewer 16-year-olds could be awarded top marks in exams under plans to
introduce tough new “I-level” qualifications, it was claimed today.

Ofqual, the exams regulator, is believed to be considering proposals to rename GCSEs in England and overhaul the existing grading system as part of sweeping measures designed to raise standards.

The move – which would be introduced from 2015 – will see exams graded from 1 to 8, with 8 being the highest mark.

It would pave the way to the introduction of tougher 9, 10 and 11 grades in the future in a move designed to crack down on “grade inflation” and stop too many pupils gaining top marks.

A draft consultation paper drawn up by the regulator suggests the abolition of coursework in most subjects and a move towards end-of-course exams – proposals already endorsed by the Department for Education.

Today, Government sources denied the “I-level” – or Intermediate Level – name was under consideration but conceded that a number-based grading structure may be adopted.

It comes less than a month after Michael Gove, the Education Secretary, suggested that the existing A* to G system may be replaced as part of a move designed to properly differentiate between bright, average and weak pupils.

Labour attacked the proposals, claiming that it would create mass confusion after a previous plan to axe GCSEs was scrapped by Mr Gove.

But the plans received support from some teachers’ leaders, particularly a move to reform the existing grading structure.

Kevin Stannard, director of innovation at the Girls’ Day School Trust, which runs a series of single-sex schools, said: “It is interesting to see that numerical grades have been signalled, with the highest grade being the 8 rather than 1.

“This will presumably leave room to introduce a new top grade, 9, in a few years when, inevitably, grade inflation has kicked in.”

Russell hobby, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, said: “Ofqual has made some sensible suggestions here: rejecting the ranking of students, stretching out the top grades to help differentiate between higher ability students and taking a case by case approach to coursework.

“However, we would want to take time to see the proposals in full and look forward to a thorough consultation process. The balance between coursework and exams should be decided based on the skills we value in each subject, not by a blanket approach.”

Proposals to rename GCSEs have been sparked by a fall-out between Westminster and the Welsh government after the Labour administration in Wales refused to endorse Mr Gove’s overhaul of the exams system.

Mr Gove insisted that the move risked creating a two-tier system, with GCSEs taken on either side of the Anglo-Welsh border differing significantly.

He has called for negotiations over the use of the GCSE title to avoid confusion between the qualifications and Ofqual is poised to publish a consultation paper on the changes next week.

It is understood that the I-level name is not in the draft consultation but has been suggested by officials within the regulator.

But the paper suggests introducing a new grading system from 1 to 8 – with 8 being roughly comparable to an existing A*.

It also suggested abolishing coursework in every subject other than science.

The changes - covering English, maths, physics, chemistry, biology, double science, history and geography - would be introduced in schools from 2015, it was claimed.

Ofqual refused to discuss details of the consultation paper, describing the report as "speculative".

"We will be consulting shortly," a spokeswoman said.

Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: “The proposals to get rid of coursework from every core subject apart from science are really not the best way forward. This will ignore different learning styles and will narrow the skills that can be tested through terminal examinations.”